The County Lines
WASHINGTON
Adams County Othello
Local attorney Brian Miller has successfully argued at the state Supreme Court that insurance companies can no longer take advantage of a loophole to deny liability coverage. Miller argued the absolute pollution exclusion clause had been taken too far. The clause helps insurance companies escape liability for large-scale pollution cleanups. Many have used the clause to keep from paying bodily injury claims from any irritant or contaminant.
Ferry County Republic
For the month of April, Ferry County logged 16 percent joblessness. Out of 2,690 insured workers, 430 were drawing benefits. The rate in April 1999 was 13.3 percent. This percentage should fall as seasonal farming, ranching and tourism jobs become available. Neighboring Stevens County tallied 9.1 percent unemployment, and Pend Oreille logged 9.5 percent.
Grant County Soap Lake
The city Parks and Recreation Commission will survey tourists to see if local facilities, programs and activities meet needs. The surveys can be found at local motels, restaurants, the city-owned Smokiam Campground and the chamber of commerce.
Lincoln County Odessa
The town marshal says he and his crew have been observing residential areas for junk vehicles and other eyesores. Chief Curt Pace says he’s counted 71 violations at 52 locations throughout the city. Letters have been sent to violators of the city’s junk ordinance asking them to voluntarily clean up their mess. Besides junk, overhanging vegetation, debris, trees, plants or shrubs that encroach on sidewalks will need to be taken care of.
Pend Oreille County Newport
Volunteer Reserve Deputy Janet Reed thinks the county should adopt an animal control ordinance. Currently, dogs can run free and deputies are helpless to assist those who complain. Commissioner Joel Jacobsen says commissioners are approached at least twice a year to adopt an ordinance. He says it’s not cost-effective to police the county for dogs despite a growing number of citizen complaints.
Spokane County Cheney
Sommer Kraft of Cheney has been awarded a $1,000 Ethnic Studies scholarship for the 2000-2001 school year at Eastern Washington University. Ethnic Studies scholarships honor students working for the advancement of ethnic communities.
Stevens County Colville
Animal lovers are invited to a June 10 workday. Volunteers are needed to help city crews build a dog run at the animal shelter. Currently, dogs confined to the pound have no place to run or exercise. The plans are in place and all that is missing are materials and volunteers.
Whitman County Pullman
Washington State University’s Women’s Resource Center and Museum of Art have both received $1,000 grants from the Pullman Community Foundation.
The Women’s Resource Center will use the grant to support the ELSA - Elevate, Love, Support and Assist - program, which focuses on improving quality of life for low-income single parent students and their children.
The Museum of Art will use the grant to present two art workshops this fall to underserved school-aged children in the Palouse region. The two WSU units were among seven recipients who received awards from the Pullman Community Foundation, a collection of funds established by local citizens and dedicated to the betterment of the Pullman area.
IDAHO
Benewah County St. Maries
Artists and crafters may submit applications for a booth at the annual s.m.A.R.T Festival. The application deadline is June 30. The festival, to be held July 15 and 16 at the Cherry Bend Boat Park, also includes entertainment, children’s art workshops and food concessions. Call (208) 245-3417 for more information.
Bonner County Priest River
West Bonner County School District 83 leased a portion of the Beardmore Building to use either as an alternative school or a district office. The district is waiting to hear whether the city will issue a permit to use the leased VFW Hall for the alternative school. If not, the district will use the Beardmore Building.
Boundary County Bonners Ferry
Vice Principal Walt Piippo has sent a letter of resignation to the school board and has accepted a position in another school district, according to Superintendent Reid Staabe. Staabe said Piippo has done a wonderful job at the high school and his leaving will be a loss for the district.
Kootenai County Hayden Lake
The Hayden Lake Fire Protection District purchased a 28-foot trailer, which will be used for firefighter recovery, storing equipment, and a command area. The district also purchased a 30-foot aluminum boat with two 250-horsepower outboard motors and a 350 Chevy V8 engine to pump water from both the front and bow. The boat can pump water from lakes to burning homes and to fill fire engines on roads around the lakes. It’s also equipped with medical supplies and can act as an ambulance to transport patients. To view the boat and trailer attend the christening party at 3 p.m. Saturday at Honeysuckle Beach.
Latah County Moscow
The city police department is warning owners of small pets to protect them from coyotes. Coyotes have been seen in the late evening along the northeast and north central boundaries. Anyone seeing a coyote within city limits is encouraged to call the police at 882-2677.
Shoshone County Wallace
Cobblestone Collectibles recently opened in the old J.C. Penney building, formerly Great Northern Printing, and will have a grand opening Saturday. The owners, Christina and David Clark, also own Clark’s Cleaning Service. The shop offers antique and newer furniture along with coins, dolls, tin signs, vintage linens, consignment items and local crafts. The shop is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
MONTANA
Lincoln County Libby
The third annual kids fishing derby on Bull Lake will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club.
Participants can register at the Three Rivers Ranger District early or the morning of the derby. Boats will be available to take youth out on the lake. For more information, call Michelle Carlson at the ranger district (406) 295-4693.